Yesterday football fans got some great news when it was announced that the owners and players of the NFL had reached a collective bargaining agreement. This ended the tumultuous lockout that threatened the prospects of a 2011 season and many organizations, including our own Tampa Bay Buccaneers, couldn't be happier.
The Bucs 2011 season is gearing up to be an exciting one, but before it starts rookies and veterans alike must endure training camps and preseason games in preparation for the real thing.
Buc players will report to training camp Thursday, July 28 to kick off the season. Around 70 players will report to One Buc Place, but only 53 are allowed to make the final, 2011 season roster. You can see training camp for yourself when the Bucs hold public practice sessions at various times throughout the preseason. The public practices are free to watch. The schedule is as follows...
Friday, July 29: 5:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, July 30: 2:30 – 4:35 p.m.
Sunday, July 31: 5:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Monday, August 1: 5:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Wednesday, August 3: 2:30 – 4:35 p.m.
Friday, August 5: 2:30 – 4:35 p.m.
Saturday, August 6: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Raymond James Stadium)
Tuesday, August 9: 2:30 – 4:35 p.m.
Sunday, August 14: 2:30 – 4:35 p.m.
All practices are held at One Buc Place except for the Saturday, August 6th practice at Raymond James which will be sponsored by Bright House and feature free parking, $1 hot dogs and drinks, and a fireworks show.
The Bucs kick off their preseason game schedule with a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday, August 12 at 8 p.m. It's an away game, but you can be sure a number of great sports bars in Tampa will be hosting parties and showing the game.
The rest of the preseason schedule is as follows...
Thursday, August 18: vs. New England, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 27: vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 1: at Washington, 7:30 p.m.
As you can see, you've got a range of options when it comes to heading out and cheering on the Bucs. As always. you can find Bucs tickets on our very own tickets page and all the best Bucs merchandise at Buc Gear online or at their store in North Tampa. What are you waiting for? Head out and support Tampa Bay football!
